A Guide To Moscow Theatre Life

Russia’s capital is home to around 170 various theatres, most of which feature exceptional repertoire and sell-out performances. If a night at the theatre is on your Moscow must-do list, here are the places you simply can’t miss when on your trip to Russia.

Bolshoi Theatre

One of Moscow’s most iconic and spectacular attractions, the Bolshoi Theatre hosts equally magnificent Russian opera and ballet performances. Part of the former Imperial Theatre, Bolshoi is a living pageant of Russia’s history. To get the most from your visit, be sure to choose a show on the Historic Stage.

1 Teatralnaya Square, Moscow, Russia, +7 495 455 55 55

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcpEWx1hSgG/?taken-by=bolshoi_theatre

Maly Theatre

Opened 1824, Maly Theatre cherishes traditions of classic Russian theatre. In the 19th century the theatre was particularly favored by Russia’s most celebrated playwrights: Alexander Ostrovsky, a trailblazer of Russian realism put on 40 of his 52 plays here. If you love reading Pushkin and Chekhov, you’ll definitely enjoy watching a performance at the Maly Theatre.

1 Teatralnaya Square, Moscow, Russia, +7 495 455 55 55

https://www.instagram.com/p/BblqTsWA8xr/?taken-by=maly_theatre

Moscow Art Theatre

Moscow Art Theatre aka MKhAT is an absolute must-visit for any theatre-lover. Founded in 1898 by the legendary K.S.Stanislavsky and V.I.Nemirovich-Danchenko, MKhAT created a revolution that completely changed the concept of Russian theatre. Today Moscow Art Theatre successfully combines classic and modern repertoire, blending Russian drama traditions with rigorous experiments.

3 Kamergersky Pereulok, Moscow, Russia, +7 495 629 87 60

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbQMrk3n-Al/?taken-by=moscowarttheatre

Sovremennik Theatre

Founded by a group of young and strong-minded actors during the so-called ‘Khrushchev Thaw’, Sovremennik represented a new wave in Soviet theatre. To this day Sovremennik is of the most popular theatres in Moscow, featuring extensive repertoire, exciting premiers and exceptionally talented actors.

19A Chistoprudniy Boulevard, Moscow, Russia, +7 495 621 17 90

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcISBPXgLF5/?taken-by=sovremenniktheatre

Theatre of Nations

Housed in a spectacular pseudo-Russian building, Theatre of Nations is one of the most popular modern theatres in Russia. Having no regular troupe, the theatre boasts a wide-ranging repertoire, from ballet and drama to post-drama and comedy. Showcasing the finest European theatre productions, Theatre of Nations also puts on plays by Russian authors and organizes theatre festivals.

3 Petrovskiy Pereulok, Moscow, Russia, +7 495 629 37 39

https://www.instagram.com/p/BYtT2HQBrR9/?taken-by=theatreofnations

Gogol Centre

One of the most talke-about theatre venues in Russia, the revamped Gogol Centre is a paradise for lovers of modern drama. However there’s much more to it than controversial performances, Gogol Centre is also home to the discussion club ‘Gogol+’ and the ‘Gogol cinema’ program. Large-scale music events, modern theatre performances, and rare film screenings are just some of the delights within its sleek contemporary interiors.

8 Kazakova Street, Moscow, Russia, +7 499 262 92 14

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb7AyAFDibf/?taken-by=gogolcenter

Praktika Theatre

Founded in 2005, this small theatre company is one of a few in Moscow to address polarizing political and social issues. Praised by opinion-leaders from Russia and Europe, Praktika Theatre engages visionary playwrights and finds exciting ways to produce new drama.

30 Bolshoi Kozikhinsky, Moscow, Russia, +7 495 544 55 45

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbblTa6FKUo/?taken-by=praktika_theatre

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.